26 arrested in Hart County dogfighting bust

North Georgia law enforcement officials arrested 26 people Friday night after uncovering a dogfighting operation at the end of Jim Heard Road in Hart County. The operation involved residents from at least nine states and resulted in the seizure of multiple dogs, firearms, and cash.

The incident began just before 11:30 p.m. when a Hart County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a complaint about vehicles blocking rural lanes. The deputy found cars parked along both sides of the road and heard dogs barking in the adjacent woods. A walk up a drive into the timber revealed additional vehicles, several with blood-stained dog crates in the back.

The deputy encountered three men on a path who attempted to flee. One was arrested on the spot, while the others ran into the woods. Officers from the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office arrived to assist. Three K9 units entered the tree line, and two aerial drones tracked the remaining suspects.

Investigators found 20 people hiding in fields and woods, four people who arrived at the scene after the bust began, and two people walking along a nearby road. All 26 individuals were taken into custody and charged with dogfighting and cruelty to animals.

The group included residents from Florida, Mississippi, Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, New York, Texas, Alabama, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Mississippi. Among those arrested was Tazmorronta Hollowell, 52, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, and Edick Wellington Thomas, 52, of Clewiston, Florida. Other arrests included Ronald Kamel Wiggins, 46, of Jackson, Mississippi, and Curtis Franklin, 45, of Rochester, New York.

Hart County Sheriff Chris Carroll described the discovery as a large operation involving individuals from multiple states. He noted that the initial traffic complaint led to the discovery of the ring. “Dogfighting is a cruel and inhumane activity that has no place in Hart County or anywhere else,” Carroll said. He added that the response was coordinated and praised his deputies for locating and apprehending the suspects.

Investigators towed 26 vehicles from the property. They confiscated multiple firearms and gathered piles of cash as evidence. Every seized dog was handed over to Hart County Animal Control. Sheriff Carroll said authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of dogs or their medical conditions.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and regional sheriffs’ offices assisted in the search. Carroll thanked the Elbert County and Franklin County sheriff’s offices and the GBI for their help. He stated that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

The 26 arrested individuals face charges of dogfighting and cruelty to animals. The cash and weapons remain in evidence. Animal control officers are currently assessing the health of the seized dogs. No further details on the total cash amount have been released by officials.